The victims of the attack on a camp for Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Goma includes at least seven children while 30 civilians were injured, a local official and a military Spokesperson said.

“The SADC Mission in the DRC of Congo confirmed that the attacks affected innocent civilians, many of whom were women and children. The deliberate targeting of innocent civilians is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights laws and principles,” SADC said in a statement.

It was not immediately clear what kind of explosive device was used or who was responsible for the attack.

A two-year offensive by the Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 has moved closer to Goma in recent months, prompting thousands to seek refuge in the city from surrounding areas.

President Felix Tshisekedi, who has been abroad for several weeks, reportedly decided to return to the DRC over the weekend following the attack, the Presidency said.

The Head of the Lac Vert district where the incident occurred, Dedesi Mitima, told Reuters he had seen the bodies of seven children and two men at the camp.

The attacks by M23 rebels have triggered massive displacement of the population, blocking supply routes to Goma, and worsening the humanitarian situation.

Meanwhile, the main roads to Goma, which are crucial for the movement of civilians, goods, and humanitarian aid, have become impassable due to armed groups' atrocities, further restricting access to essential services and supplies.

--Reuters\ChannelAfrica\Linda Kea Moreotsene--